Reflections 2011

For reflections this year, Jayden decided to compose a song. He did a great job and won 1st place (he was the only one out of the entire school to compose music). And Skyler won Honorable Mention for his artwork. The theme this year was “Diversity is…”. I am so proud of both of them. They are both very talented.

Halloween 2011

This year I volunteered for Skyler’s class Halloween party. I was able to let Aysia and Lacee tag along while Noelle watched Auri. I was in charge of the bingo station. We then stayed to watch the school costume parade. There were some amazing costumes. The kids always choose a goody to make for Halloween so we made a graveyard, owls and a banana worm. All of my kids decided to be something you can’t just go buy at the store. Luckily I ask them in August so I had plenty of time to make them. Jayden was “The Claw”, Skyler a bubble gum machine and Aysia a flower pot. Auri was our little Ladybug. Mom, Dad, Noelle, Janson and the kiddos all came over for soup in a pumpkin with pumpkin bread bowls. Mom and Dad stayed while the kids went trick-or-treating. Dad even lost the kids at one point because he was doing some trick-or-treating of his own. But don’t worry, they found their way home. It was a very warm night this year so the kids didn’t have to bundle so much and were able to show off their costumes.

Thommy the Turtle

Jayden bought two frogs a few months ago, but unfortunately they both ended up escaping and we found them after they died. So Taylor, being the great Dad he is wanted to buy them a turtle. So he surprised them one night. They were so excited. They decided to name him Thomas or “Tommy” the Turtle for short.

Fall Activities

Once again, we have a tradition to go to Cornbelly’s each year. We love all of the activities and the corn maze they have. Of course we always have to cheat in order to find our way out, but it’s always worth the try. We also decorated a gingerbread haunted house. The kids did a great job although they ate half of the candy and frosting in the process.

Pumpkin Carving

As most family traditions, we had to carve our pumpkins. I think we carved a little prematurely this year. It was only one week before Halloween, but they were fairly wilted by the time Halloween was here. We always bake and salt the seeds from the pumpkins for a little snack.

Jayden’s Halloween Party

So after coming home from church Jayden informed me he was going to have a Halloween Party and had already invited some friends to come over the following day. He also invited a few of his classmates to come. I had a few parents call and ask what time the party started. I didn’t have a clue. I told them to come on over. I wasn’t sure what he had planned, but I gave him a couple of bags of goodies I had on hand and some treat bags for prizes. He made his own games and decorations. They played bingo, beanbag toss and other carnival games. There were about 10 total that came to play. They had a blast. I was really proud of Jayden that he planned and organized the event. My little boy is growing up!

Pikus Halloween Party

Noelle, Mom and I had such a great time planning the annual “Pikus Halloween Party” this year. The theme was a Carnival. We gave out tickets for food and activities. We had hot dogs, pizza, hoagies, cotton candy, soda, chips, popcorn and a bake sale. We then had several carnival stations including face painting, darts, beanbag toss, fishing pond, and even a haunted house for the kids. We had a great time. It is always a lot of work, but well worth it!